We Build Community

From June 14-16, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) coordinated the fourth year of We Build Community (WBC), our signature capacity and skills-building program that brings together four diverse community-based organizations from across the country to participate in a year-long series of workshops, trainings, and ongoing technical assistance to support, deepen, and strengthen their work. As part of the WBC program, each organization is provided a sub-grant to support and build their civic engagement capacity that connects South Asian American communities with broader movements for racial, immigrant, and gender justice.

In June, WBC participants engaged in three days of workshops led by SAALT staff and trainers on immigrant justice, campaign building, community assessments, the power of data, fundraising, and communications. SAALT thanks the trainers who provided vital insights at the WBC convening, including Lindsay Schubiner (Center for New Community); Terri Johnson (Center for New Community); Radha Modi; and Kaajal Shah (K Shah Consulting).

“It’s been really exciting to be part of the We Build Community cohort and meet other organizations working throughout the country,” stated Tehmina Brohi, Director of Advocacy and Economic Empowerment, Sapna NYC. “One part of Sapna NYC’s mission is building a collective voice for change and We Build Community is one of the beginnings of building that collective voice for change.”

Tehmina Brohi discusses Sapna NYC’s mission and how We Build Community helps create a collective voice for change.

Lakshman Kalasapudi, Deputy Director of India Home, an organization that serves New York City’s Indian and larger South Asian senior citizen immigrant community, noted, “Through what we learned at the We Build Community convening and through our grant project, we will definitely be able to further our mission by expanding our own services and expanding our reach to South Asian older adults across our communities.”

SAALT would like to thank our supporters and donors who make the We Build Community program possible, and to our WBC cohort who continue to inspire and hold the line for our communities nationwide every day. Together, we are working towards the goal of a more just and inclusive society in the United States.

Please consider making a generous donation to SAALT today. Your help will ensure We Build Community remains a key part of the long term goal of justice for all Americans.